Other posts held


1st Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council
In office 7 February 1988 – 4 June 1989
Appointed by	Ruhollah Khomeini
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
Member of the Assembly of Experts
In office 15 August 1983 – 4 June 1989
Constituency	Tehran Province
Majority	2,800,353 (87.8%)
Member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
In office 28 May 1980 – 13 October 1981
Constituency	Tehran, Rey and Shemiranat
Majority	1,405,976 (65.8%)
Tehran's Friday Prayer Imam
In office 14 January 1980 – 28 February 2026
Appointed by	Ruhollah Khomeini
Interim Imams	See list Ahmad Jannati Ahmad Khatami Kazem Seddiqi Ali Movahedi-Kermani Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi Fard Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari
Preceded by	Hussein-Ali Montazeri
Succeeded by	Vacant

Personal details

Born

Ali Hosseini Khamenei

19 April 1939
Mashhad, Iran

Died

28 February 2026 (aged 86)
Tehran, Iran

Cause of death

Assassination by airstrike

Political party

Islamic Republican Party (1979–1987)
Combatant Clergy Association (1977–1989)
Independent (1989–2026)

Spouse

Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh

(m. 1964)

Children

6, including Mostafa, Mojtaba, and Masoud

Parent

Javad Khamenei (father)

Relatives

Mohammad Khamenei (brother)
Hadi Khamenei (brother)
Badri Khamenei (sister)

Education

Khorasan Seminary
Najaf Seminary
Qom Seminary

Signature

Military service

Branch/service

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Irregular Warfare Headquarters

Years of service

1979–1989

Commands

Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces

Battles/wars

Iran–Iraq War
- Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Twelve-Day War
2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran

Religion

Islam

Denomination

Twelver Shi'a

Religious career

Teacher

Seyyed Hossein Borujerdi
Ruhollah Khomeini

Ali Hosseini Khamenei (born 19 April 1939 – died 28 February 2026) was an important Iranian religious leader and politician. He served as the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1989 until his death in 2026. Before that, he was the President of Iran from 1981 to 1989. His time as Supreme Leader lasted for many years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the Middle East.

Ali Khamenei was born into the Khamenei family. He studied religious teachings in Mashhad and Qom. He became involved in opposing the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was arrested several times and exiled. Khamenei played a key role in the Iranian Revolution (1978–1979). After the revolution, he held many important jobs in the new Islamic Republic of Iran. He survived an attack that injured his right arm. He was President during the Iran–Iraq War and worked closely with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Khamenei was chosen as the Supreme Leader.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei supported Iran's nuclear program for peaceful uses. He also issued a religious ruling (fatwa) against making weapons of mass destruction. He encouraged selling state-owned businesses to private companies. Iran became an important "energy superpower" due to its oil and gas. His foreign policy focused on spreading the ideas of the Iranian Revolution. He helped the IRGC become a strong force in Iran and the region. Under his leadership, Iran supported groups in conflicts like the Syrian civil war and the Gaza war. He was a strong critic of Israel and supported the Palestinians. In 2025 and 2026, there were increased tensions and conflicts between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Khamenei was seen as a firm leader. He worked to strengthen the power of the Supreme Leader's office. He faced many public protests during his time, including student protests and larger demonstrations in 2009, 2017, 2019, and the Mahsa Amini protests. People who criticized him sometimes faced legal action or restrictions on their speech. He was known as an Ayatollah, a high-ranking religious title in Shia Islam.

On 28 February 2026, Ali Khamenei died in an airstrike. This happened during military actions between Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Early Life and Education

Khamenei as a teenager

Ali Khamenei was born on 19 April 1939 in Mashhad, Iran. His father, Javad Khamenei, was a religious scholar. His mother was Khadijeh Mirdamadi. He was the second of eight children. Two of his brothers also became religious leaders.

Khamenei's family had roots in Khamaneh and Tafresh. His education began at age four, learning the Quran. He studied at religious schools (hawza) in Mashhad. His teachers included Sheikh Hashem Qazvini and Ayatollah Milani.

In Mashhad, he also met with thinkers who discussed Islamic socialism. In 1957, he visited Najaf but returned to Mashhad. In 1958, he moved to Qom. There, he attended classes taught by Seyyed Hossein Borujerdi and Ruhollah Khomeini.

Early Political Career (1960s–1981)

Khamenei in a protest in 1970 in Mashhad

Khamenei was arrested six times for opposing the Shah of Iran. He was exiled for three years. He was a key figure in the Iranian Revolution and a close friend of Ruhollah Khomeini. After the Islamic Republic was formed, Khamenei held many government jobs.

He became the head of the servants of Astan Quds Razavi in 1979. He also served as deputy defense minister and supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. In 1980, Ruhollah Khomeini appointed him as Tehran's Friday Prayers Imam.

1981 Assassination Attempt

Khamenei in the hospital after the assassination attempt

Khamenei survived an assassination attempt by the Mujahedin-e Khalq group. On 27 June 1981, a bomb hidden in a tape recorder exploded near him. This happened at the Aboozar Mosque.

The explosion seriously injured his right arm, vocal cords, and lungs. He lost the use of his right arm permanently.

Presidency (1981–1989)

Khamenei shook hands with his left hand after an unsuccessful assassination.

In 1981, after the death of Mohammad-Ali Rajai, Khamenei was elected President of Iran. He won by a large number of votes. He was the first religious leader to hold this office. He was reelected in 1985.

As president, Khamenei promised to fight against "deviation, liberalism, and American-influenced leftists." The government responded strongly to opposition groups during the early 1980s.

During the Iran–Iraq War

Khamenei as Tehran's Friday Prayer Imam in 1980

Khamenei was one of Iran's leaders during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. He built strong connections with the Revolutionary Guards. He was very interested in military and government details.

After Iraqi forces were pushed out of Iran in 1982, Khamenei opposed invading Iraq further. He shared this view with Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi.

Khamenei (right) during the Iran–Iraq War

Supreme Leader (1989–2026)

Becoming Supreme Leader

In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini chose Khamenei as his successor. Khamenei was elected as Acting Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on 4 June 1989. At first, some thought a group of leaders should rule. However, the idea of an individual leader was chosen.

Khamenei was not a high-ranking religious scholar (marja') at the time. The Iranian constitution was changed to remove this requirement. On 6 August 1989, the Assembly of Experts reconfirmed Khamenei as Supreme Leader.

Leadership Style

Khamenei at the Great Conference of Basij members at Azadi Stadium, October 2018

Khamenei's time as Supreme Leader was different from his predecessor's. He continued to balance different groups to prevent any one from becoming too powerful. He built strong connections within the military and religious communities.

He appointed many loyal people to important positions. This helped him create a system that supported his leadership. Experts described his role as a powerful overseer of Iran's politics.

Khamenei made final decisions on many important issues. These included the economy, environment, and foreign policy. He regularly met with government officials to guide their work. He also appointed many senior officeholders in Iran.

Economic Policies

In 2007, Khamenei called for selling state-owned companies to private businesses. This included telephone companies, banks, and oil enterprises. He wanted to speed up Iran's move towards economic privatization. He also said that ownership rights should be protected to encourage private investment.

Protests and Challenges

Khamenei and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

Khamenei faced several challenges during his leadership. After the 2009 presidential election, there were large protests. Some people questioned his authority. However, the Assembly of Experts, which elects the Supreme Leader, mostly supported him.

He also had disagreements with former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. These disagreements were often about government appointments and policies. Khamenei's decisions usually prevailed in these disputes.

In 2023 and 2024, Khamenei faced more public protests. He acknowledged some economic problems but said "rioters must be put in their place." Security forces responded to these protests, and many people died in clashes. Reports suggested he had a plan to evacuate to Moscow if unrest became too severe.

Religious Rulings (Fatwas)

International Holy Quran Competition's participants meeting with Khamenei, June 2013

Khamenei issued a religious ruling (fatwa) that said making, storing, or using nuclear weapons is forbidden in Islam. This fatwa was mentioned by Iran at international meetings. He also issued annual messages for Hajj, inviting Muslims to unity.

Domestic Policy

Khamenei at a public speech, 2018

Within Iran, Khamenei held the most political power. He was the head of state and commander-in-chief of the military. He made final decisions on major government policies.

He had direct or indirect control over all parts of the government. Candidates for elections were approved by the Guardian Council. The Supreme Leader directly or indirectly chose members of this council. This gave Khamenei significant influence over who could run for office.

Khamenei supported scientific progress in Iran. He was one of the first religious leaders to allow stem cell research. He believed that investing in science and technology was important for the country's development.

Foreign Policy

Khamenei and president Ebrahim Raisi (far right) meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, July 2022

Khamenei had direct responsibility for Iran's foreign policy. He had his own team for foreign affairs. His policy aimed to avoid both conflict and full cooperation with Western countries.

He condemned the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen. He also criticized the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. After the US left the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, Iran moved closer to Russia and China. This included supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Views on the United States

Khamenei meeting with his counterpart Xi Jinping, China's paramount leader, January 2016

Iran and the United States have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980. Khamenei often spoke about opposing the United States. He believed that US policies in the region were against Iran's interests.

In 2006, he warned that Iran could disrupt energy shipments from the Persian Gulf if attacked by the US. In 2009, he said that changes in US "words" were not enough. He called for the US to end its interference in other countries.

He condemned the September 11 attacks in 2001. He called for global condemnation of terrorism but warned against military action in Afghanistan. In 2014, he claimed that the US and UK created ISIS.

Views on Israel

Sixth International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, Tehran, 2017

Khamenei was a strong opponent of the State of Israel. He often expressed support for the Palestinians in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He called Israel a "cancerous tumor" that should be removed from the region.

He believed that the occupation of Palestinian lands was wrong. He suggested that Palestinian refugees should return and choose their own government. In 2015, he famously stated that "Israel will not exist in 25 years."

In September 2020, Khamenei condemned the peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. He said it was a betrayal of the Islamic world. In October 2023, he praised the October 7 attacks but denied Iran's involvement. He accused Israel of committing terrible acts in Gaza.

2025 Iran–Israel War

Protest in Tehran against the Israeli strikes on Iran, June 2025

On 13 June 2025, Israel launched attacks on military and nuclear sites in Iran. This started the Iran–Israel war. Israeli forces targeted some of Iran's military leaders and facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities.

The United States helped defend Israel and also attacked Iranian nuclear sites. Iran then fired missiles at a US base in Qatar. On 24 June, Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire after the US insisted.

During this war, Khamenei was reportedly moved to a secure underground bunker. He rejected calls for Iran's surrender. He also faced threats of assassination from US and Israeli leaders. After the ceasefire, he appeared in a recorded message to warn the United States. He later declared victory over Israel.

Human Rights and Protests

A young girl holding an image of Khamenei at his Husayniyya, July 2025

Critics accused Khamenei of overseeing harsh responses to protesters and critics. However, Khamenei stated that human rights are a key part of Islamic teachings. He criticized Western countries for their own human rights records.

Protests During Leadership

Mahsa Amini protests in Tehran, September 2022

Many major protests happened during Khamenei's time as leader. These included student protests in 1999 and large demonstrations after the 2009 election. Protesters sometimes chanted slogans against him.

In 2016, Khamenei called for more transparency in elections. During the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022, protests grew against government issues and lack of freedoms. People who criticized Khamenei, like journalists and bloggers, sometimes faced legal action.

Interaction with the Press

Khamenei speaking to Iranian Air Force personnel, 6 February 2016

In 2000, Khamenei was listed as an "enemy of the press" by a journalists' group. He stopped a bill in parliament that aimed to give more freedom to the press. He believed the existing press law prevented problems.

Newspapers like Kayhan and Jomhuri-ye Eslami were published under his management. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Forbes magazine listed Khamenei among the world's most powerful people.

Personal Life

Family

Khamenei was married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh. They had six children: four sons (Mostafa, Mojtaba, Masoud, and Meysam) and two daughters (Boshra and Hoda). His sons married into other prominent families. He had three brothers and one sister.

Home and Lifestyle

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei lived in a house in Central Tehran. A large complex of buildings grew around it. Reports suggested that hundreds of people worked at this complex.

Khamenei was known for a simple lifestyle. He was often seen as serious but enjoyed poetry and gardening. He rarely traveled outside Iran.

Health

Khamenei's health was sometimes a topic of discussion. In 2014, he had prostate surgery. Western intelligence sources reported in 2015 that he had prostate cancer. In September 2022, he had surgery for a bowel issue.

Literature and Art

Persian Language and Poetry

Khamenei was a strong supporter of the Persian language. He believed it was important for cultural identity. He also enjoyed poetry and wrote some poems himself under the name "Amin." He thought art and literature could help spread the ideas of the Islamic Revolution.

Novels

Khamenei enjoyed reading novels since he was a child. He praised works by authors like Mikhail Sholokhov and Victor Hugo. He called Hugo's Les Misérables "the best novel that has been written in history." He also suggested reading The Grapes of Wrath and Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Translations

Khamenei was fluent in Arabic, Persian, and Azerbaijani. He translated several books from Arabic into Persian. These included works by the Egyptian political thinker Sayyid Qutb.

Music

In 1996, Khamenei issued a religious ruling (fatwa) that said music education could harm young children. This led to the closure of some music schools. However, he was also known to have a good singing voice and played the tar, a traditional Iranian instrument.

Revolutionary Doctrine

Khamenei continued the idea of "exporting the Islamic Revolution" that Ruhollah Khomeini started. This meant spreading Iran's model of Islamic governance to other Muslim societies.

Under Khamenei, this goal became more organized. Many state-funded centers worked to promote his ideas of Shia Islam and governance. These institutions received significant funding. One important institution is Al-Mustafa International University, which teaches foreign students about Khamenei's religious views. These efforts aimed to spread his ideas globally.

Ali Khamenei Quotes

"If we define freedom in its true and broad meaning based on the Divine Scriptures, it is the freedom of the human spirit from corruption, lust, temptations, whims, and material bondage. "
"Preventing women from acquiring education and improving their knowledge is an injustice not only to them but to society as a whole, because when women enter an arena, their families do the same."
"If people get into the habit of using their free time for reading books, our society will greatly advance and the country's culture will progress."

Works

Khamenei wrote several books and translated others. Many of his speeches and messages have been collected into volumes. Some of his works include:

Four Main Books of Rijal
An Outline of Islamic Thought in the Quran
Honest Leader
Discourse on Patience
Iqbal - Manifestation of the Islamic Spirit, Two Contemporary Muslim Views
Replies to Inquiries about the Practical Laws of Islam
Lessons from the Nahjul-Balaghah
Human Rights in Islam
The Charter of Freedom
Essence of Tawhid: Denial of Servitude but to God

He also translated Sayyid Qutb's Future in the Realm of Islam.

Images for kids

Ali Khamenei's signature

Ali Khamenei facts for kids

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